1. OLA Super Conference 2008 Demystifying the Librarian/Technician Dilemma in the Digital Age. Oi-Veh!

2. Demystifying the Technician/ Librarian Dilemma in the Digital Age Management Perspective

3. Demystifying the Technician/ Librarian Dilemma in the Digital Age Why the Dilemma? Education Hierarchy Applied/theoretical Employment Task performance versus theory

4. Age Demystifying the Technician/ Librarian Dilemma in the Digital Computers arrive/Shift in our roles Information technology changed the way we all work Librarians assigned teaching, coordinating and liaison roles Library Technicians assigned hands on/technical role IT did not create a dilemma for profession Roles more stimulating and challenging Closer to the client/user 2008/Still have the dilemma

5. 5 Practical tips on how to build Effective Teams?

6. Five Practical Tips! # 1. Management has to champion the vision of a collaborative working environment.  Leader/Chief Librarian needs to set the vision which includes the building of a collaborative team.  New structure of working needs to be implemented.  Hierarchy is gone and should be replaced by a flat and simple organization.  Library should be a network of teams that interact for a common vision.  Employees (Librarians and Library Technicians) are empowered as a team to plan, make decisions, take action.

7. Five Practical Tips! #2. Team-Based Structure needs to be implemented.  Flat and simple structure  Foster relationship building  Investment of time  Library Teams will have representatives from all job types.  Teams will understand each other’s role.  Clear understanding of the role of the librarian and the role of the Library technician.  How do you do this?

8. Five Practical Tips!  Two team- based structures at Seneca Libraries Operational Structure Strategic Planning Structure

9. Five Practical Tips!  Operational Team Based Structure  Communication  Lots of meetings and discussion  Focus groups with staff/service functions  Librarians and Technicians (Information Services), Newnham Campus  Collections, Marketing and Events, User Education, Academic Services and Research, and Public Services  Functional teams were created for each service

10. Five Practical Tips!  Operational Team Based Structure  Extensive Documentation  Created job scopes/Librarians  Job description review-support staff for each function  Job duties were outlined and discussed in the team meetings  Each member understood the roles of the team  Staff had input into team structure  Technicians and librarians were partners

11. Five Practical Tips! #3. Place the customer/student in the centre of our library services  Common goal  User Focused Philosophy  Space, services, collections  Shift in our philosophy in libraries  Now the focus is on the client

12. Five Practical Tips! #4. Clear roles and responsibilities  Critical aspect of effective teams  Staff conflict can come from unclear responsibilities and goals.  Clear project outlines  Clear job descriptions and team descriptions

13. Five Practical Tips! # 5. Staff Commitment  Employees (Librarians and Library Technicians) need to feel empowered as a team to plan, make decisions, take action.  Input is valued and respected  Job is valued as part of the larger organization plan  Common vision and goals

14. Demystifying the Technician/ Librarian Dilemma in the Digital Age There are successful working relationships in libraries Following five tips will assist you in building strong teams or being part of the team Eliminating the grey area between Librarians and Library Technicians

15. Let’s switch from boxing to ballroom dancing!